Pressing Issues Book Reviews: Time After Time

Time to read all about Jeannette Walls’s grandmother in Half Broke Horses—the second book from the author of The Glass Castle. The story of Lily Casey Smith is filled with courage, sass, and no-nonsense straight talk from a woman who, at the age of six, broke horses, survived floods (and being married to a “crum bum” husband), and became a teacher at the tender age of fifteen. The book is a series of short anecdotes that build upon one another to solidify the tough-as-nails woman who was shunned as “the devil” for teaching Mormon girls about life outside of religion. Though the final chapters seem rushed, Lily’s story is a slap in the literary rear—it awakens and gets your pulse moving a little faster. B+

Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at NoonMark Di Vincenzo

Timing is everything and nobody understands this better than author Mark Di Vincenzo. From car-purchasing cues to even more serious stuff like marriage, life insurance, and calling the police, the book has handy insights into optimum times to buy, do things, or go places. The vacation and work sections feel very spot-on, but the gems here often relate to simple endeavors such as the best time to have your picture taken—by the way, it’s late morning or early afternoon. And guess what? February is one of the best months to buy a winter coat as retailers are (believe it or not) getting ready for spring clothing. The book is—well, the best! A–

Make!Cath Kidston

Time to do any one of the craft projects (over forty if you’re counting) that are vintage-inspired and super cheerful. Projects aren’t just for the girls; they also include rugged race car and cowboy designs along with Cath Kidston’s signature Airedale Stanley. Learn how to adorn purses, pillowcases, mittens, and clothing with roses, fruit, birds, and homey charm. The templates alone caused an office frenzy, OK? Join us in the Kidston pandemonium before we look silly already! A–